69novels Page 457
Page 457
Chapter 516 Lily Foundation
She began in-depth discussions with Levin about each aspect of the proposal.
The more they discussed it, the more their thinking broadened, and new ideas kept flashing through the girl's mind:
"In that case, I will continue to refine the remaining plans based on the ideas we just discussed."
Hermione said with some excitement.
However, she quickly looked troubled again. "But I'm still a little worried about asking Professor Snape about potion-making techniques..."
Seeing Hermione's concern, Levin smiled slightly and comforted her:
“Don’t worry, Hermione. I’ll handle this. I’ll find a suitable opportunity to consult Professor Snape… and if that doesn’t work, I can always take the time to research it myself.”
Levin was full of confidence; he felt he could persuade Professor Snape.
After all, Snape was willing to teach him some of his unique skills, which was enough to prove that the other party valued him highly in some aspects.
Levin disliked procrastination, so he decided to talk to Professor Snape after Potions class the next day.
When the bell rang for the last class, the students packed up and left the classroom, but Levin deliberately stayed behind.
"Professor Snape."
Upon hearing Levin's voice, Professor Snape looked up from the mess of bottles and jars, his brow furrowed and his face full of impatience.
He had never liked students who disturbed his work, but this one seemed to be different.
"Professor Snape, you have taught me many unique methods for making potions over the years, which has benefited me greatly." He expressed his sincere gratitude.
Snape looked at Levin, his impatience lessening slightly. He glanced at the table with his quill and said calmly, "Get to the point."
Levin nodded and got straight to the point: "Professor, I've discovered that many of your unique techniques are perfectly suited for large-scale potion production using non-human methods. I'm currently researching Problem 777 in this area, and I wonder if you'd be interested in joining the research?"
"A non-human method? Mass production of potions?"
A barely perceptible hint of interest flickered across Snape's face, but he quickly composed himself to conceal it.
He had a stern face, seemingly considering Levin's suggestion. After a while, he pulled a worn-out book from a nearby cabinet and tossed it to Levin.
Levin took the book and saw on the cover that it was titled "Advanced Potion Making" and the author was Libashe Polach.
Upon seeing the book, Levin was initially startled, then, as if remembering something, he turned the page.
Through the [True Knowledge Technique], Levin could see a small, very compact line of text at the bottom of the back cover: This book belongs to the Half-Blood Prince.
Sure enough, this was the notebook that Harry unexpectedly obtained in the original book, Professor Snape's notes.
Levin's heart raced as he quickly flipped through the pages, discovering numerous potion-making tips and original spells—the culmination of Snape's years of research.
Levin looked up at Snape: "Professor, this book..."
“Most of my work is in this book,” Snape interrupted Levin. “Come find me if you have any other questions after you’ve finished reading it.”
Although he still had a sour face the whole time, Levin knew that this meant Professor Snape had agreed to join his research.
Levin carefully placed the book in his pocket, then said to him, "Professor, I am very grateful for your generous help. However, there is a lot of this knowledge that I want to apply to my business activities. I wonder if you would agree with me doing so?"
"Okay, you can go now."
Now that he had given it to Levin, Snape no longer considered how he would use it. He continued to lower his head, picked up a bottle of potion, sniffed it, and disdainfully marked a big "D" on the roster next to him.
“Professor, once the technology for mass production is successful, I will give you a share of the profits,” Levin added.
Professor Snape frowned, looking somewhat impatient: "I don't need your money. You can leave now."
He just wants to finish identifying these antidotes as soon as possible.
After Lily Evans' death, Snape seemed to lose his former enthusiasm for the potions knowledge he once cherished.
In the past, he might have used this knowledge to acquire mountains of Galleons, but now, it all seems meaningless.
“Professor, I understand you may not care about money,” Levin frowned, a plan forming in his mind. “But I can’t refuse this share of the profits. In that case, I plan to use this share of profits that originally belonged to you to establish a charitable fund to help wizards who aspire to become potion masters. I think we can name it the ‘ES Fund’.”
ES is the initials of Lily Evans and Severus Snape's surnames.
As soon as Levin finished speaking, a strange look flashed across Professor Snape's face.
He clearly understood Levin's implication.
Snape's face twitched slightly, as if he were trying to suppress his emotions. He seemed to be provoked by the name's obvious meaning, and his eyes, which had been raised, lowered as he hesitated between disgust and relief.
After a moment of silence, Professor Snape spoke, his voice trembling slightly: "Let's just call it the Lily Foundation."
Levin's psychic abilities had no effect on a master like Snape, who was known for his Occlumency, but he could still vaguely sense that Snape seemed to be in a good mood.
Although Professor Snape appears cold and hard on the surface, deep down he still harbors a deep longing and tenderness for Lily.
At that moment, Professor Snape seemed to suddenly remember something and said to Levin, "You don't need to come to Potions class this semester. They try to copy how you do your potions homework, and your presence here will affect the other students' learning."
After saying that, he pointed to the D on the roster.
“In addition,” Professor Snape added, “my NEWT class only accepts students who have achieved an ‘O’ grade.”
Levin was in high spirits after receiving this unexpected windfall. He carried Professor Snape's tattered book, "Advanced Potions Making," and left the gloomy Potions classroom with light steps.
Just as he was about to step into the hall, a sickeningly sweet call, like sticky syrup, stopped him in his tracks.
“Mr. Green, please wait a moment.”
Levin turned his head and saw Dolores Umbridge standing not far away, her fluorescent pink robe shimmering dazzlingly in the sunlight, like a giant candy thickly covered in icing. Her smile was so sweet it was almost honey-squeezing, but Levin felt a strange sense of nausea.
“Ms. Umbridge, is there anything I can do for you?” Levin asked, trying to be polite, but inwardly he was wondering: What is she doing here?
Umbridge's voice interrupted Levin's thoughts. He was planning to go to Dean Flitwick to apply for a exemption from classes, even if it was just Charms, it would still save him a lot of time.
Umbridge wriggled her fat body and slowly approached Levin, looking like a pink caterpillar. Her voice was low and ingratiating: "Mr. Green, I overheard your conversation with Headmaster Dumbledore. I have an idea that might be of help to you."
Levin raised an eyebrow slightly, his curiosity piqued: "Oh? Tell me about it."
Umbridge glanced around mysteriously, making sure no one else was around, before continuing, "I don't understand why Headmaster Dumbledore would refuse to give you a free course and insist you take those courses that won't help you. It's a complete waste of time! In my opinion, he's too old, and his educational philosophy is outdated. He's too old-fashioned and conservative; he simply doesn't know how to cultivate a genius like you."
She said all that in one breath, then eagerly looked up, glancing sideways at Levin's face, as if anticipating his response.
However, Levin simply maintained a polite smile, his eyes calm, revealing nothing of what he was thinking.
Umbridge's voice became even more humble and respectful. "I have already discussed this matter with Minister Fudge, and he strongly agrees to provide some substantial benefits to Hogwarts' best students. This way, you can focus more on what you deem important. After all, any achievement of a wizard as gifted as you will benefit the entire wizarding world."
She paused slightly, as if mentioning it casually, "Of course, the Ministry of Magic cannot directly interfere with Hogwarts' internal management at the moment, but new laws will be introduced soon. As long as the laws are implemented smoothly, you will also benefit from them. This will not only benefit you, but also make the relationship between Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic more harmonious, which is a win-win situation, isn't it?"
Umbridge lowered his head slightly as he said this, so he didn't notice the fleeting mocking look on Levin's face.
Levin used his psychic abilities to learn the content of the conversation between Umbridge and Fudge:
It turns out that after reporting his conflict with Dumbledore to Fudge, Umbridge proposed this so-called "facilitation plan" in an attempt to obtain Levin's promise not to stop the Ministry of Magic from further interfering in Hogwarts.
Their plan was quite shrewd: as long as Levin wasn't an obstacle, they could more brazenly vie for control of Hogwarts with Dumbledore. The means and methods of their struggle would also increase accordingly.
When Fudge first heard Umbridge's report, he thought the plan seemed pretty good and even expressed his appreciation for Umbridge.
However, when he learned that Umbridge intended to implement the plan without consulting Levin himself, he immediately flew into a rage and gave Umbridge a severe dressing-down.
Minister Fudge angrily pointed at Umbridge's nose and shouted, "How dare you execute the plan without consulting him? What makes you think that as long as you set conditions, he will agree? What do you think will happen if your plan accidentally injures his people without being clearly explained? Let me tell you, never underestimate this little wizard's position in Jaina's faction!"
His tone was harsh and stern, pouring out all his dissatisfaction and anger.
Umbridge was so intimidated by his imposing presence that he was momentarily speechless.
Minister Fouché took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
He knew this wasn't the time to lose his temper, so he softened his tone and said, "In this regard, you need to treat him as if he were Jaina herself. If you're not careful, you could push Jaina's faction to Dumbledore's side. In short, before implementing the plan, you must consult Levin Green and try your best to make it happen."
Fudge's harsh criticism and orders clearly made Umbridge resentful, but she dared not disobey Minister Fudge's orders. She nodded to indicate that she understood.
Chapter 517 Non-Interference Agreement
Levin's psychic abilities captured this scene perfectly.
A thought struck him, and he decided to take the opportunity to find out their plan. So he asked, "Are you so confident that you can get Professor Dumbledore's approval to intervene in this matter at Hogwarts?"
Umbridge, upon hearing Levin's words, flashed a hint of smugness in his eyes and said mysteriously:
"We have a very strong bargaining chip. Stoddill Demo, who has close ties with Dumbledore, illegally broke into the Ministry of Magic on August 31 and attempted to rob it, but was caught red-handed by the Ministry's Aurors. He will soon be tried in Wizengamot. In cases with such solid evidence, the severity of the sentence depends entirely on the materials we provide and our own intentions. I'm sure Headmaster Dumbledore would be interested in speaking with our Minister."
Umbridge abruptly stopped speaking, but Levin could sense that this was just part of her plan.
He knew she had more to say, but he didn't press her for details, knowing she would never reveal it rashly.
Even if he doesn't say it, Umbridge's thoughts are enough to reveal some clues.
It's nothing more than getting rid of one or two Hogwarts professors, first giving them a big stick, then a sweet treat, forcing Dumbledore to submit.
That's typical of an old politician.
“I can accept this condition,” Levin replied in a calm and indifferent voice, “but you must ensure that the Ministry of Magic’s new decree and any interference you make in Hogwarts will not involve me, the members of the Erudite Society, or the members of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team.”
His words immediately stirred a wave of anxiety within Umbridge.
She couldn't help but worry: what if Levin included Harry Potter and other students who favored Dumbledore in the Erudite Society?
Wouldn't all her efforts then be in vain?
After all, that foolish big guy has already set a bad example.
“Don’t worry, since I’ve agreed to the cooperation, the Knowledge Society will temporarily suspend recruitment. As for the members of the Society’s open courses, they are not included in this list,” Levin said with a half-smile.
"How did he know what I was thinking?" Umbridge looked up in astonishment, the question almost slipping out, but she managed to stop herself in time, managing only a slightly awkward but polite smile, thinking to herself, "He wasn't chanting any spells... Could he already be a master of Legilimency?"
“You should learn from Minister Fudge’s approach,” Levin’s next words confirmed her suspicions. “He made a very wise choice by asking you to come and seek my opinion. Please tell the Minister that I have felt his sincerity. In this struggle, I will remain neutral and will not side with Professor Dumbledore, because he has not communicated with me on a more equal footing.”
Umbridge's smile grew even brighter, and his voice softened: "Thank you very much for your response, Mr. Green. I will relay your words to the Minister without missing a single one."
She had previously viewed Levin as a gifted but naive student, believing that he had only gained a position in the Ministry of Magic by chance, thanks to Jaina Proudmoore's approval.
In her eyes, Jaina was the one who needed to be focused on—her taking advantage of Crouch's weakness last year to seize power undoubtedly demonstrated her shrewdness and ambition.
However, this encounter with Levin made Umbridge realize that the young man was far more intelligent than she had imagined.
His insight into reality and politics far surpasses that of ordinary little wizards; all those complex power struggles and schemes seem to have nowhere to hide from him.
What troubled Umbridge even more was that Levin seemed to be a master of Legilimency, and could easily cast it without a wand or incantation.
She herself had limited talent in this area and was completely unable to master Occlumency to protect her mind from invasion. She even began to worry that Levin might discover the secret she least wanted to know.
But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she immediately reminded herself to focus on the situation at hand.
So Umbridge frantically searched his mind for words of praise for Levin, trying to use these compliments to cover up his true thoughts.